Written by: Caitlin Alfonso, LMSW
Some people LOVE the holidays. They love everything from the décor to the weather, to their unique traditions, to the music, to the movies, to food, to anything and everything about it. For others, the holidays can be hard, and the seemingly inescapable holiday connections can be difficult to navigate. No matter what holiday camp you fall into, there are ways to still implement some fundamental self-care tips for your well-being.
- Be Realistic
Whether it is family, school, sports, clubs, or friends, it seems that events and social activities quickly fill up the calendar. The expectation is often for you to be in attendance and possibly bring something, which can require time, effort, and/or money. Therefore, you have to be realistic about which events you can attend. While family events may not be optional for all, spend time prioritizing your other events. Do you have to be at all three of your different clubs’ holiday events – or can you pick one?
- Set Boundaries
Boundaries are hard, especially with people we care about. However, talking about them early on can take the awkward out of it as the holidays approach. For instance, if you and your friends are exchanging any gifts, consider setting limits on cost or agreeing to homemade gifts.
- Reach Out
Holidays can bring up a lot of emotions. If at any point you become overwhelmed or have a hard time coping with the holiday rush – reach out to a trusted adult. Often, movies, music, and social media often paint this time of year as the happiest time, this can make it hard to admit that we aren’t enjoying it and have us asking, “what’s wrong with me?”. However, nothing is wrong. Sometimes holidays are a lot and we can get warn down and burnt-out holiday vibes, or they have us missing a loved one extra hard some years – no matter how you feel during the holidays, it is okay. Nonetheless, talking about it can help you sort out your feelings and allow you to stay connected through it all.
These are just three self-care tips for the holidays, but there are many more. Find what works for you! Even if you LOVE the holidays and don’t think you may need them as much, you might be surprised. Everyone can take steps to ensure that they are taking care of their energy and wellness, so that the season’s festivities can be truly enjoyed.